Do Iron Supplements Affect Your Period?
Updated onIf you're one of those women who, when menstruating, experience low iron due to blood loss and aren't sure what you can do about it, you should seek consultation with a qualified health professional.
Many women turn to iron supplements to ensure that they're getting their daily iron requirements. But can this affect your menstrual cycle and periods?
In this article, we will take a look at the relationship between iron supplements and menstrual health. I'll also introduce you to our pioneering iron supplement which may help with your supplementation goals.
How Periods Affect Your Iron Levels
During menstruation, the body loses blood. This process can lead to a decrease in iron levels, as iron is a major component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. The more you're bleeding, the more iron you'll lose.
It's useful to know what actually happens when you get your period. The menstrual cycle involves the shedding of the uterine lining, which is a blood-rich tissue. When this tissue is shed, it results in blood loss through the vagina. The average blood loss per period is about 30 to 40 millilitres, but it can vary widely. Some women may lose as little as 10 millilitres, while others lose more than 80 millilitres. Since each millilitre of blood contains about 0.5 milligrams of iron, this can really affect your iron stores.
In fact, our bodies aren't particularly efficient at excreting excess iron, so the main way we regulate our levels is through diet. However, during menstruation, the body cannot compensate for the iron loss by increasing absorption quickly enough, which can lead to a decrease in iron levels over time if the iron is not adequately replaced.
Do Periods Cause Iron Deficiency?
Heavy menstrual periods can lead to a depletion of the body's iron stores.
Can I Take Iron Pills While on my Period?
Yes, you can take iron pills while on your period. Taking iron supplements during your period can help replenish the iron lost through menstrual blood and support your overall iron levels. However, it's important to follow the dosage recommended by a healthcare professional and to monitor for any side effects, as excessive iron intake can be harmful.
Does Iron Supplementation Help with Period Cramps?
There isn't strong evidence to suggest that iron supplements can alleviate menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). However, maintaining adequate iron levels may help maintain your overall wellbeing as well as indirectly influence how you experience and manage period symptoms.
For specific relief from period cramps, other treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), heat therapy, and certain lifestyle changes are more commonly recommended.
Does Taking Iron Make Your Period Heavier?
No, taking iron supplements does not make your period heavier. Iron supplements are used to replenish iron stores in the body. They do not affect the volume of menstrual bleeding.
Best Practices for Taking Iron Supplements During Your Period
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Choose a high-quality iron supplement that does not cause you gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or constipation
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Take conventional iron supplements only with food: If you're taking old fashioned iron supplements always do so with food to improve absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, can also enhance iron absorption.
Of course, if you're using Nano Iron you should have an empty stomach when you take it to get the best absorption - taking with food may reduce how much you absorb. -
Avoid taking iron supplements with dairy or caffeine: Dairy products and caffeine can interfere with the absorption of iron, so it's best to avoid taking iron supplements with these types of foods or beverages.
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Stick to a consistent schedule: Taking iron supplements at the same time each day can help ensure that you're getting a consistent amount of iron in your system. This may also help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Iron Supplements for Periods FAQS
Can taking iron supplements delay your period?
Iron supplements do not typically delay periods. While iron supplements can help in restoring iron levels in the body, there's no direct scientific evidence to suggest that they delay menstrual periods. However, it's important to consider that the menstrual cycle can be influenced by a variety of factors, including stress, life changes, hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions, and changes in diet or medication.
Can iron supplements reduce menstrual flow?
Iron supplements, in themselves, do not cause a reduction in menstrual flow. The menstrual flow is primarily regulated by hormonal balances and other physiological factors, not directly by iron levels in the body.
If someone experiences a change in their menstrual flow while taking iron supplements, it is likely due to other factors. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper assessment, as changes in menstrual flow can be indicative of various health conditions.
Should You Take Iron During Your Period?
You need to maintain a proper balance of iron through a balanced and varied diet. If you find you are low on iron during this time, then yes, you may want to take an iron supplement that works for you. We recommend you do this in conjunction with regular iron level tests and the advice of a qualified health practitioner.